As a Costume trainee you will learn the production process from research to fully formed costumes focusing on specialised skills such as measuring, fitting, construction as well as continuity bibles and inventory management.

The purpose of this course is to develop and assess the competence and underpinning knowledge of individuals working in the Costume department. The course has been developed with reference to the National Occupational Standard for Costume and Wardrobe. The Costume standards are the output of an extensive piece of research conducted by ScreenSkills to identify what is needed to work effectively in Costume and Wardrobe departments within the Film and TV industries.

Semester 1

The course will start with 6 weeks of specialist training from our own tutoring team and from visiting industry professionals. In his block you will learn the basics of measuring and adjustment, inventory management, the importance of continuity and the use of Costume department workshop equipment to ensure you are able to make a positive contribution during your production practice. There will then be a bootcamp delivered by industry professionals focusing on career development before you begin your first 5 weeks of production practice, either working with a client on a live brief or onset with a production partner.

Semester 2

You’ll then come back to ESA for your second semester where you will get more training to further develop your specialist skills and knowledge. In this second block, you will learn about the specific requirements of Film & Television Costume building upon your initial industry placement; following which you should understand the departmental responsibilities, the contribution of a Costume department and how your skills transfer to the workplace. You will learn additional techniques of material handling and adjustment – in particular to period costume – advanced inventory management and the use of Costume department workshop equipment to ensure you continue to make a positive contribution during your next production practice and beyond.

This course is only available to students who are 18 years old at the start of the course. We will admit a maximum of 12 students onto the programme. Please also be aware that this course is supported by VOCAT (Vocational Education and Training for the Creative Industries) - this course is a practical traineeship which places students on-set in real industry environments as much possible. The highest levels of professionalism are expected of students.

CLICK HERE to express an interest in this course.